AWAKENED–which marks the group’s sixth studio album– is garnering early critical acclaim. In his 4/5 star album review for Alternative Press magazine, writer Jason Schreurs hailed, “Screamer Tim Lambesis has never sounded better than on a metal anthem like ‘Overcome,’ his shattered scream completely ripping faces. …Awakened is the best As I Lay Dyingalbum you can point to as metal both modernized and maximized.” (October 2012). Elsewhere, in his 4/5 star album review for Artist Direct , Rick Florino singled out the preview track “Cauterized” as “An unshakable anthem, the song is the best kind of aural assault and battery from one of heavy metal’s most dynamic outfits. Morphing from a steamrolling six-string storm courtesy of Nick Hipa and Phil Sgrosso, the track shifts into a polyrhythmic crusher fueled by drummer Jordan Mancino and bassist Josh Gilbert’s immortal groove. Tim Lambesis seamlessly segues from a gruff growl into one of the group’s tightest and toughest clean choruses to date.” Florino adds, “‘Cauterize’ is a metallic remedy of the highest order.As I Lay Dying prove to be a genre leader by progressing while pummeling, and it’s evidence that Awakened is another level altogether. They’re set to wake up the genre with a landmark album.” (September 2012)

For AWAKENED, the San Diego-based bandˆNICK HIPA (guitar), TIM LAMBESIS (vocals), JORDAN MANCINO (drums),PHIL SGROSSO (guitar) and JOSH GILBERT (bass)ˆholed up in the Blasting Room in Fort Collins, CO with renowned rock producer Bill Stevenson (Descendents) and mixer Colin Richardson. AWAKENED marks the follow-up to theDecas EP (2011) which reached #2 on the iTunes Rock Chart. The group’s last LP, 2010’s immensely successful The Powerless Rise, debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at #10. The Powerless Rise also reached #2 on Billboard’s Independent Albums Chart and #3 on Billboard’s Hard Music Albums Chart.